Jake will be graduating this November after joining us back in 2017. Throughout his time with us, he has worked hard to accomplish his goals. We are all going to miss Jake, but we know he will go on to do great things!

We are so proud of you, Jake!

Alissa's class took an entertaining virtual trip to hunt for information about Chicago's history and fun traditions. Then we took that inspiration into our kitchens where we made our own Chicago Style Italian Beef Sandwiches. Thanks, Charlie, for the great idea. It was a big hit!

Highlights from our virtual trip:

• We visited 1940s Chicago with a film that was actually discovered at a garage sale.

• We discovered how the Great Fire of 1871 actually benefited the city of Chicago.

• We learned how immigrants created the Chicago Style Hotdog.

• We took a virtual architectural tour.

• We researched famous people who were born in the Chicago area.

• We learned about the origin of the Chicago Style Italian Beef Sandwich.

Fun facts about Chicago from our students:

How did Chicago Style Hot Dogs get their start?

Quinn: German immigrants brought sausages and they worked with other immigrants who decided to come up with toppings to start the Chicago Style Hot Dog.

Tell me something interesting that you learned about Chicago’s architecture.

Quinn: The Willis Tower was the tallest building in the world a long time ago.

Caleb: Frank Lloyd Wright was a famous architect.

Mathew: Architects think a lot about the style and make visuals of the city.

Quinn: I learned that the skyscrapers formed Chicago's architecture and also Trump tower is one of the tallest buildings in chicago

Who is your favorite famous person from Chicago and why?

Quinn: My favorite person from Chicago was Walt Disney because my family loves The Walt Disney Company.

Caleb: Walt Disney, Bobby Fisher

Mathew: Dwyane Wade because he’s my favorite basketball player.

Charlie: My favorite person who was born in chicago is Walt Disney.

How did Chicago Italian Beef get its start?

Charlie: In 1930, it was created with roast beef gravy and Italian sliced beef by Al and his brother.

They cut it thin to feed more people.

What are three more fun facts you learned about Chicago?

Mathew: There are many different ways people make food, the Chicago River runs through the center of the city, and there is a museum dedicated to the bridges of the city.

Is there anything shocking or cool you found out about Chicago?

Caleb: The City of Chicago in the night light is the coolest.

What do you want to know more about Chicago?

Mathew: The restaurants.

Charlie: Where deep dish pizza comes from.

Quinn: I want to learn more about how everything in Chicago works.

Photos of our Chicago inspired Italian Beef Sandwiches!

For this month's recipe we have a quick and easy lunch item which isn't necessarily the most healthy, but boy does it taste good! As with any recipe though, the recipe is just a starting point, and one can modify it to make it as healthy as they desire. Each week, Nick's class looks forward to deciding which recipe to make using the "bracketology" method. The method is sometimes more lively and exciting for students than the actual cooking class!

~ Pizza Grilled Cheese ~

Keeping Connected while Physically Distanced

It’s been hard during the pandemic to stay connected - to each other, to the activities we enjoy, and even to our own emotions, goals, and interests. For some, an easing of certain restrictions and the move to hybrid learning has helped to spark feelings of reconnection. For others, continued health concerns or an upcoming holiday season where traditions may look very different can lead to feeling more alone and more down. Everyone’s experience looks different, and all thoughts and feelings are valid. Here are a few ideas (some tried and tested by students and staff) to help with connection. The important thing to remember is not to force yourself - recognize what you and your family are ready for and if more connection is needed, start by picking one of these things:

• For students who want to connect with peers:

  • Consider a virtual movie night via Google Meets or Zoom. One person projects and everyone can watch together. This time of year is especially good for seasonal movies

  • Take a virtual tour. Students have been participating in many virtual trips as part of community training during remote learning. A favorite place can be revisited with a peer or new ones can be explored. Again, one person can share via Google Meets or Zoom while everyone watches together

  • A board game or card game can also be played virtually. The physical game or cards can be used if both people have the same one. Or this website has many online games that can be played with two players on Google Meet or Zoom. https://toytheater.com/category/games/

• Got screen fatigue? Try a ‘conversation question of the day’ with your family. These are good for getting conversations going on some new topics https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vCr2vLoPKE7MeClFyWcyTX2416-qPks0Q5E_DP59ubA/edit?usp=sharing

• Well Being Calendar: This one is good if you just need a general reset and some new things to spark up your routine. Four weeks of daily suggestions on everything from connecting with family/friends to quiet reflection to finding a new interest

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nbfn0a0slR0BoefdBjwSi4_KDvoKrp4u/view?usp=sharing

If you need more ideas specific to your child/family I’m always happy to brainstorm with you! Please contact me at 847-582-7360 or klapinski@lfschools.net

1. Visit a culturally rich environment. A local library is a great place to acquire materials to further language learning. Museums and community centers also offer opportunities to expand learning and chances to meet other people in a safe environment.

2. Watch a movie or TV series together. Pause the video and ask your child what he/she thinks will happen next. See if your child recalls key events in the movies and details such as the character's names and what they were wearing.

3. Cook together. Download a visually rich recipe or watch a YouTube video. Afterwards, have your student either: (a) read the directions to you if they are capable readers, or (b) follow your directions. Cooking is great quality time and reinforces auditory and reading comprehension.

One of the perks of remote and hybrid learning has been spending more time with our families, including our pets! We have also enjoyed getting to see each other's adorable pets through group chats and meetings. We thought it would be fun and uplifting to continue featuring the pets of our Transition Program here in our newsletter.

Each month we like to share various helpful resources for parents of our transition students. If you have any questions or know of a resource we may share for the next month, don't hesitate to contact your class teacher or the Transition Coordinator.